System and method in a parallel television system for providing for user-selection of an object in a television program

ABSTRACT

A system and method in a parallel television system for providing for user selection of objects in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application is related to and claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/242,234 filed Sep. 14, 2009, and titled “TELEVISION SYSTEM,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,380, filed May 5, 2010, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21037US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21038US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21039US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION CONTROLLER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21040US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION CONTROLLER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21041US02; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING FOR USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21051US02. The contents of each of the above-mentioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present television systems are incapable of providing for and/or conveniently providing for user-selection of objects in a television program. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a system and method in a parallel television system for providing for user selection of objects in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary television system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for providing user-selection of objects in television programming, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for providing user-selection of objects in television programming, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary parallel television system (e.g., a television controller), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating exemplary modules and/or sub-modules for a parallel television system (e.g., a television controller), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion will refer to various communication modules, components or circuits. Such modules, components or circuits may generally comprise hardware and/or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., including firmware). Such modules may also, for example, comprise a computer readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory medium) comprising instructions (e.g., software instructions) that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform various functional aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of particular hardware and/or hardware/software implementations of a module, component or circuit unless explicitly claimed as such. For example and without limitation, various aspects of the present invention may be implemented by one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor, digital signal processor, baseband processor, microcontroller, etc.) executing software instructions (e.g., stored in volatile and/or non-volatile memory). Also for example, various aspects of the present invention may be implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) and/or other hardware components.

Additionally, the following discussion will refer to various television system modules (e.g., parallel television modules, television controller modules, etc.). It should be noted that the following discussion of such various modules is segmented into such modules for the sake of illustrative clarity. However, in actual implementation, the boundaries between various modules may be blurred. For example, any or all of the functional modules discussed herein may share various hardware and/or software components. For example, any or all of the functional modules discussed herein may be implemented wholly or in-part by a shared processor executing software instructions. Additionally, various software sub-modules that may be executed by one or more processors may be shared between various software modules. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by arbitrary boundaries between various hardware and/or software components, unless explicitly claimed.

The following discussion may also refer to communication networks and various aspects thereof. For the following discussion, a communication network is generally the communication infrastructure through which a communication device (e.g., a portable communication device, television, television control device, television provider, television programming provider, television receiver, video recording device, etc.) may communicate with other systems. For example and without limitation, a communication network may comprise a cable and/or satellite television communication network, a cellular communication network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), any home or premises communication network, etc. A particular communication network may, for example, generally have a corresponding communication protocol according to which a communication device may communicate with the communication network. Unless so claimed, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of a particular type of communication network.

The following discussion will at times refer to an on-screen pointing location. Such a pointing location refers to a location on the television screen (and/or a parallel television screen) to which a user (either directly or with a pointing device) is pointing. Such a pointing location is to be distinguished from other types of on-screen location identification, such as, for example, using arrow keys and/or a mouse to move a cursor or to traverse blocks (e.g., on an on-screen program guide) without pointing. Various aspects of the present invention, while referring to on-screen pointing location, are also readily extensible to such other forms of on-screen location identification.

Additionally, the following discussion will at times refer to television programming. Such television programming generally includes various types of television programming (e.g., television programs, news programs, sports programs, music television, movies, television series programs and/or associated advertisements, educational programs, live or recorded television programming, broadcast/multicast/unicast television programming, etc.). Such television programming may, for example, comprise real-time television broadcast programming (or multicast or unicast television programming) and/or user-stored television programming that is stored in a user device (e.g., a VCR, PVR, etc.). Such television programming video content is to be distinguished from other non-programming video content that may be displayed on a television screen (e.g., an electronic program guide, user interface menu, a television set-up menu, a typical web page, a document, a graphical video game, etc.). Various aspects of the present invention may, for example in a parallel television system (e.g., a television remote control device with an on-board display, a personal computer or other electronic device with an on-board display, a second television, etc.) comprise determining an on-screen pointing location pointed to by a user of the television and/or parallel television, identifying a user-selected object in presented television programming, and providing user feedback regarding the on-screen pointing location and/or user-selected object.

Also, the following discussion will at times refer to user-selectable objects in television programming. Such user-selectable objects comprise both animate (i.e., living) and inanimate (i.e., non-living) objects, both still and moving. Such objects may, for example, comprise characteristics of any of a variety of objects present in television programming. Such objects may, for example and without limitation, comprise inanimate objects, such as consumer good objects (e.g., clothing, automobiles, shoes, jewelry, furniture, food, beverages, appliances, electronics, toys, artwork, cosmetics, recreational vehicles, sports equipment, safety equipment, computer equipment, communication devices, books, etc.), premises objects (e.g., business locations, stores, hotels, signs, doors, buildings, landmarks, historical sites, entertainment venues, hospitals, government buildings, etc.), objects related to services (e.g., objects related to transportation, objects related to emergency services, objects related to general government services, objects related to entertainment services, objects related to food and/or drink services, etc.), objects related to location (e.g., parks, landmarks, streets, signs, road signs, etc.), etc. Such objects may, for example, comprise animate objects, such as people (e.g., actors/actresses, athletes, musicians, salespeople, commentators, reports, analysts, hosts/hostesses, entertainers, etc.), animals (e.g., pets, zoo animals, wild animals, etc.) and plants (e.g., flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, cacti, etc.).

Turning first to FIG. 1, such figure is a diagram illustrating a non-limiting exemplary television system 100 in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplary system 100 includes a television provider 110. The television provider 110 may, for example, comprise a television network company, a cable company, a movie-providing company, a news company, an educational institution, etc. The television provider 110 may, for example, be an original source of television programming (or related information). Also for example, the television provider 110 may be a communication company that provides programming distribution services (e.g., a cable television company, a satellite television company, a telecommunication company, a data network provider, etc.). The television provider 110 may, for example, provide television programming and non-programming information and/or video content. The television provider 110 may, for example, provide information related to a television program (e.g., information describing or otherwise related to selectable objects in television programming, etc.).

The exemplary television system 100 may also include a third party program information provider 120. Such a provider 120 may, for example, provide information related to a television program. Such information may, for example, comprise information describing selectable objects in programming, program guide information, etc.

The exemplary television system 100 may include one or more communication networks (e.g., the communication network(s) 130). The exemplary communication network 130 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of types of communication networks over which television programming and/or information related to television programming (e.g., information identifying and/or describing and/or otherwise related to user-selectable objects in television programming) may be communicated. For example and without limitation, the communication network 130 may comprise characteristics of any one or more of: a cable television network, a satellite television network, a telecommunication network, a general data network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), any of a variety of different types of home networks, etc.

The exemplary television system 100 may include a first television 140. Such a first television 140 may, for example, comprise networking capability enabling such television 140 to communicate directly with the communication network 130. For example, the first television 140 may comprise one or more embedded television receivers or transceivers (e.g., a cable television receiver, satellite television transceiver, Internet modem, etc.). Also for example, the first television 140 may comprise one or more recording devices (e.g., for recording and/or playing back video content, television programming, etc.).

The exemplary television system 100 may include a first television controller 160. Such a first television controller 160 may, for example, operate to (e.g., which may include “operate when enabled to”) control operation of the first television 140. The first television controller 160 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of television controlling devices. For example and without limitation, the first television controller 160 may comprise characteristics of a dedicated television control device, a universal remote control, a cellular telephone or personal computing device with television control capability, any personal electronic device with television control capability, etc.

The first television controller 160 (or television control device) may, for example, transmit signals directly to the first television 140 to control operation of the first television 140. The first television controller 160 may also, for example, operate to transmit signals (e.g., via the communication network 130) to the television provider 110 to control television programming (or related information) being provided to the first television 140, or to conduct other transactions (e.g., business transactions, etc.).

As will be discussed in more detail later, the first television controller 160 may operate to communicate screen pointing and/or object identification information with the first television 140 and/or other devices. The first television controller 160 may, for example, operate to (which includes “operate when enabled to”) perform any or all of the functionality discussed herein. As a non-limiting example, which will be discussed in more detail below, the first television controller 160 may comprise an on-board display which may operate as a parallel television (e.g., presenting on the on-board display a same television program as that being presented by the television 140). In such a configuration, the first television controller 160 may, for example, operate to perform any or all of the parallel television functionality discussed herein.

Also, as will be discussed in more detail later, various aspects of the present invention include a user pointing to a location on a television screen (e.g., pointing to an animate or inanimate object presented in television programming). In such a scenario, the user may perform such pointing in any of a variety of manners. One of such exemplary manners includes pointing with a television control device. The first television controller 160 provides a non-limiting example of a device that a user may utilize to point to an on-screen location. Also for example, as will be discussed in more detail later, various aspects of the present invention provide for the user to select on a parallel television screen a user-selectable object in television programming. Such a parallel television screen may, for example, be an on-board display of the first television controller 160.

The exemplary television system 100 may also include a television receiver 151. The television receiver 151 may, for example, operate to (e.g., which may include “operate when enabled to”) provide a communication link between a television and/or television controller and a communication network and/or information provider. For example, the television receiver 151 may operate to provide a communication link between the second television 141 and the communication network 130, or between the second television 141 and the television provider 110 (and/or third party program information provider 120) via the communication network 130. The television receiver 151 may also, for example, operate to provide a communication link between a parallel television (e.g., operating in parallel for the second television 141) and the television provider 110 and/or third party program information provider 120. Such a parallel television may, for example, be a distinct entity or may, for example, be a component of another entity (e.g., the television receiver 151 and/or the second television controller 161).

The television receiver 151 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of types of television receivers. For example and without limitation, the television receiver 151 may comprise characteristics of a cable television receiver, a satellite television receiver, etc. Also for example, the television receiver 151 may comprise a data communication network modem for data network communications (e.g., with the Internet, a LAN, PAN, MAN, telecommunication network, etc.). The television receiver 151 may also, for example, comprise recording capability (e.g., programming recording and playback, etc.). The television receiver 151 may, for example, be a stand-alone component or may be integrated with any of a variety of other television system components (e.g., a television, a video recorder, a gaming station, etc.).

The exemplary television system 100 may include a second television controller 161. Such a second television controller 161 may, for example, operate to (e.g., which may include “operate when enabled to”) control operation of the second television 141 and the television receiver 151. The second television controller 161 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of television controlling devices. For example and without limitation, the second television controller 161 may comprise characteristics of a dedicated television control device, a dedicated television receiver control device, a universal remote control, a cellular telephone or personal computing device with television control capability, any personal electronic device with television control capability, etc.

The second television controller 161 may, for example, operate to transmit signals directly to the second television 141 to control operation of the second television 141. The second television controller 161 may, for example, operate to transmit signals directly to the television receiver 151 to control operation of the television receiver 151. The second television controller 161 may additionally, for example, operate to transmit signals (e.g., via the television receiver 151 and the communication network 130) to the television provider 110 to control television programming (or related information) being provided to the television receiver 151, or to conduct other transactions (e.g., business transactions, etc.). The second television controller 161 may further, for example, operate to receive signals from the second television 141 and/or television receiver 151. Such signals may, for example, comprise signals communicating television programming, information identifying and/or describing user-selectable objects in television programming and/or any of a variety of other information to the second television controller 161. As a non-limiting example, which will be discussed in more detail below, the second television controller 161 may comprise an on-board display which may operate as a parallel television (e.g., presenting on the on-board display a same television program as that being presented by the second television 141). In such a configuration, the second television controller 161 may, for example, operate to perform any or all of the parallel television functionality discussed herein.

As will be discussed in more detail later, various aspects of the present invention include a user pointing to a location on a television screen (e.g., pointing to an animate or inanimate object presented in television programming). In such a scenario, the user may perform such pointing in any of a variety of manners. One of such exemplary manners includes pointing with a television control device. The second television controller 161 provides one non-limiting example of a device that a user may utilize to point to an on-screen location. Also for example, as will be discussed in more detail later, various aspects of the present invention provide for the user to select on a parallel television screen a user-selectable object in television programming. Such a parallel television screen may, for example, be an on-board display of the second television controller 161.

The exemplary television system 100 was provided to provide a non-limiting illustrative foundation for discussion of various aspects of the present invention. Thus, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by any characteristics of the exemplary television system 100 unless explicitly claimed.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 200 for providing user-selection of objects in television programming, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Any or all aspects of the exemplary method 200 may, for example, be implemented in a component with television and/or parallel television capability (e.g., a television controller with a display and television capability, for example the first television controller 160 and/or second television controller 161 shown in FIG. 1; a second television, for example, the second television 141 shown in FIG. 1; a television receiver having television display capability, for example, the television receiver 151 shown in FIG. 1; any component having a display and television display capability; and/or any component communicatively coupled to a display.

The exemplary method 200 may, for example, begin executing at step 205. The exemplary method 200 may begin executing in response to any of a variety of causes and/or conditions. For example, the exemplary method 200 may begin executing in response to a user command to begin, in response to user selection of a television program (or corresponding television channel) that includes user selectable objects, upon parallel television reset and/or power-up, in response to a user input indicating a desire to provide object selection capability to the user, in response to identification of a user and/or user equipment for which object selection capability is to be provided, in response to user payment of a fee, in response to user execution of a software application, in response to detecting utilization of a parallel television (e.g., any device having parallel television capability), etc.

As will be discussed below, various aspects of the present invention may comprise a user's local television system (e.g., a television, a parallel television, a television receiver, a television controller, etc.) receiving and/or displaying television programming. Many non-limiting examples of such television programming were provided above (e.g., television programming with user-selectable objects). Such television programming may be received from any of a variety of sources. For example and without limitation, such television programming may be received from a television broadcasting company, from a movie streaming company, from a user (or consumer) video recording device (e.g., internal and/or external to the television receiver), from an Internet television programming provider, etc.

Also, for example, the local television system (e.g., located in a user's premises or a single room thereof) may receive the television programming via any of a variety of types of communication networks. Such networks may, for example, comprise a wireless television network (e.g., terrestrial and/or satellite) and/or cable television network. Such networks may, for example, comprise any of variety of data communication networks (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a personal area network, a metropolitan area network, etc.).

Additionally, various components of the television system (e.g., the user's local television system) may communicate television programming and/or other video information to a television (e.g., for presentation to a user on a screen of the television and/or on a screen of a parallel television). Such communicating may be performed in any of a variety of manners. For example, such communicating may comprise communicating raw video data and/or decoded video data in one or more data signals, one or more television/display driver signals (e.g., composite and/or component video signals), etc. Also for example, such communicating may comprise communicating the television programming and/or other video information over any of a variety of communication media (e.g., wired, tethered optical, wireless RF, non-tethered optical, etc.). Further for example, such communicating may comprise communicating the television programming to video presentation devices external to the television.

In general, the television system (e.g., one or more components of a user's local television system) may receive, communicate and/or present television programming. The scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any particular television programming, television programming source, television programming network or manner of receiving, communicating and/or presenting television programming unless explicitly claimed.

The communicated and/or presented television programming may, for example, comprise user-selectable objects in the television programming. Many non-limiting examples of such user-selectable objects were presented above. In general, such user-selectable objects may, for example, comprise animate and/or inanimate objects in television programming that a user may select (e.g., selecting on a touch screen, using a pointing device or other user interface by which a user may specify a screen location). Information of such user-selectable objects may be received by a television, television receiver, television controller and/or parallel television and retained for processing by such receiving device and/or for communication to another device for processing. Such information of user-selectable objects may be stored and/or communicated with the television programming or may be communicated separate from the television programming (e.g., in a data stream separate from the television data stream).

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 230, comprise presenting a television program on a first screen of a television system (e.g., on a first television screen of a user's local or personal television system). Such a television program may, as discussed above, comprise user-selectable objects.

For example, in an exemplary scenario where the local television system comprises a first television and a parallel television, step 230 may comprise presenting a television program on a screen of the first television. Also, in such exemplary scenario, step 230 may comprise presenting such television programming in a normal manner (i.e., without outputting any visible indication to the user regarding the user-selectability and/or user-selection of user-selectable objects in the television programming. For example, user-selectable objects may be presented to the user in the same manner as non-user-selectable objects.

For example, as will be discussed below (e.g., with regard to step 250), various aspects of the present invention may comprise presenting the television program on a parallel television screen and interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in such presented television program. During such exemplary operation on a parallel television system, step 230 may comprise presenting the television programming on the screen of the first television in a normal manner (e.g., in manner that does not interfere with presentation of the programming to the user on the screen of the first television).

In general, step 230 may comprise presenting a television program on a first screen of a television system (e.g., on a first television screen of a user's local or personal television system). Thus, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by any particular manner of presenting such television programming unless explicitly claimed.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 240, comprise presenting the television programming (e.g., the same television program being presented at step 230) on a second screen of the television system (e.g., on a screen of a device with parallel television capability). Such presentation may, for example, be performed while the television program is also being presented on the first screen of the television system (e.g., at step 230).

The second screen (or parallel television screen) may, for example, comprise a display of any of a variety of local television system components. For example, the second screen may comprise an on-board screen of a television controller. Also for example, the second screen may comprise a display of a personal computing device (e.g., a handheld computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a notepad computer, a desktop computer, etc.) capable of presenting television programming on the display. Additionally for example, the second screen may comprise a display of a second television, a display of and/or communicatively coupled to a television receiver, etc.

As mentioned above, step 240 may comprise presenting a television program on the second screen while step 230 is presenting the television program on the first screen. Note, however, that while such concurrent presentation may be time-synchronized, various aspects of the present invention may comprise concurrent presentation that is not time-synchronized. For example, step 240 may comprise presenting a television program on the second screen at a slower than normal rate, while step 230 comprises presenting the television program on the first screen at a normal rate. Also for example, step 240 may comprise presenting a television program on the second screen at a paused (or frozen) state, while step 230 comprises presenting the television program on the first screen at a normal or slower-than-normal rate. Additionally for example, step 240 may comprise presenting a television program on the second screen at a faster than normal rate, while step 230 comprises presenting the television program on the first screen at a normal or slow-than-normal rate, and so on.

In an exemplary scenario in which the programming is presented on different displays at different respective rates, the exemplary method 200 may comprise providing an automatic and/or user-controlled mechanism by which synchronization may be effected. For example, the method 200 may comprise receiving a user input indicating a desire to synchronize presentation of the television program on the first and second screens, and responding to such a user input by synchronizing such presentations. Also for example, the method 200 may comprise automatically (i.e., without interacting with the user) effecting such synchronization (e.g., after a time delay, after presentation of information on the second screen for a particular amount of time, after receiving a user input indicating a desire to dismiss information being presented on the second screen, etc.).

As discussed previously, television programming information may be received from any of a variety of sources via any of a variety of communication networks. Also as mentioned previously, information of user-selectable objects in such programming may be received with the television programming (e.g., in a same data stream) and/or may be received separate from the television programming (e.g., in a separate data stream from a same or different data source). As such, steps 230 and 240 may comprise receiving presented television programming in a same manner or different respective manners. For example, step 230 may comprise receiving the presented television programming and not receiving information of the user-selectable objects in the presented television programming, while step 240 may comprise receiving the presented television programming and receiving information of the user-selectable objects in the presented television programming (e.g., in a same data stream and/or in a separate data stream). As will be discussed in more detail below, such received information of user-selectable objects in the presented television programming may be utilized at step 250.

Step 240 may, for example, comprise presenting the television programming on the second screen at a resolution (e.g., spatial and/or temporal resolution) different from the resolution at which the television programming is being presented on the first screen (e.g., at step 230). For example, step 240 may comprise presenting a television program on the second screen at a low spatial resolution (e.g., tailored to a screen with a low number of pixels), while step 230 comprises presenting the television program on the first screen at a high spatial resolution (e.g., tailored to a screen with a high number of pixels, for example a high-definition screen).

In general, step 240 may comprise presenting the television programming (e.g., the same television program being presented at step 230) on a second screen of the television system (e.g., on a screen of a device with parallel television capability). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any particular manner of presenting such television programming and/or any particular type of component having the second screen unless explicitly claimed.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 250, comprise interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program (e.g., without interfering with the presentation of the television program on the first screen). Such presentation may, for example, be performed while the television program is being presented on the first screen of the television system (e.g., at step 230) and the television program is also being presented on a second screen of the television system (e.g., at step 240).

For example, step 250 may comprise determining a location in the presented programming (e.g., an on-screen location) indicated by a user. For example, in an exemplary scenario in which the second screen is a touch screen, step 250 may comprise determining a location of the touch screen touched by the user. Also for example, various additional manners of determining on-screen pointing location were presented in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/242,234 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/774,154, 12/774,221 and 12/774,321, the contents of each which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Step 250 may, for example, provide assistance to a user in selecting a user-selectable object in a television program (e.g., the television program being displayed on the second screen at step 240). Such assistance may comprise any of a variety of characteristics, non-limiting examples of which will now be provided.

For example, after identifying an on-screen location selected by a user, step 250 may comprise providing visual feedback of such on-screen pointing (or selection) location to the user. For example, step 250 may comprise outputting a graphical indication of on-screen pointing location on the second screen (e.g., overlaid or otherwise superimposed on (or displayed with) the presented television program). Such a graphical indication may comprise any of a variety of graphical characteristics. For example, such a graphical indication may comprise characteristics of an icon or any other graphical feature (e.g., a polygon or other shape, a color variation, a brightness variation, a focus variation, a window, a magnification window, a highlighted (or otherwise indicated) area generally corresponding to the touched area of a touch screen, etc.).

Another exemplary manner of providing user assistance with television program object selection may comprise outputting visual indicia (e.g., on the second screen) to identify objects in the television program that are user-selectable. For example, step 250 may comprise outlining such objects, highlighting such objects, brightening or darkening such objects, boxing such objects, presenting such objects with any of a variety of graphical features, flashing such objects, dotting such objects, etc.

Also for example, step 250 may comprise presenting visual indicia (e.g., on the second screen) that indicate a location and/or area that a user should specify (e.g., touch or otherwise point to) to select a respective user-selectable object (e.g., a target area, selection region, etc.). For an example, a subset of a user-selectable object may be graphically designated for such user selection (e.g., a selection area may be graphically indicated where such selection area represents a portion of the screen area utilized for presentation of the object). Additionally for example, a superset of a user-selectable object may be graphically indicated for user selection (e.g., an extra border region surrounding a user-selectable object may be graphically indicated for user selection of such object). Such an extra border region may, for example, comprise an extended object outline, a box encompassing the entire object, etc.

Note that an on-screen region associated with a respective user-selectable object may be static or dynamic. For example, the shape and/or size of such a region may change over time (e.g., as a function of size of the user-selectable object, as a function of movement speed of the user-selectable object, as a function of the presence of other nearby user-selectable objects, as a function of popularity of a user-selectable object, as a function of advertising cost associated with a user-selectable object, as a function of age of a user-selectable object, etc.).

The visual (e.g., graphical) indicia discussed above may, for example, be presented on the second screen (e.g., in conjunction with presentation with the television program on the second screen) without being presented on the first screen. In such an example, a user may utilize (e.g., interact with) the second screen to select user-selectable objects in the television program without interfering with the presentation of the television program on the first screen.

As an additional example of providing assistance to a user with selecting a user-selectable object in a television program, as discussed previously with respect to step 240, presentation rates may be different on the first and second screens. Such program presentation rates may, for example, vary during the performance of step 250. For example, step 250 may comprise interacting with a user regarding a user-selectable object in a television program while step 240 comprises presenting the television program at a paused (or frozen) state and/or a slower-than-normal rate. For example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a user may cause the presentation of the programming on the second screen (e.g., at step 240) to pause or slow down to assist in the selection of user-selectable objects that are moving in the presented television program.

For example, a user-selectable athlete in a sporting event may be moving quickly in the programming at normal program presentation speed, resulting in such athlete being difficult for the user to select (e.g., to touch on a touch screen). In such an exemplary scenario, the user may cause (e.g., via explicit command, by touching the second screen, etc.) presentation of the sporting event to slow or pause, thereby enhancing the ease by which the user may select (e.g., touch) the user-selectable athlete in the programming. Such presentation rate modification may also, for example, be advantageous in scenarios in which there are a relatively large number of user-selectable objects present in the program resulting in a crowded selection space and/or scenarios in which there are relatively small selection regions associated with respective user-selectable objects.

Step 250 may also, for example, comprise identifying a user-selected object in the television programming (e.g., in the television programming being presented at step 240 and/or step 230). Such identifying may be performed in any of a variety of manners, non-limiting examples of which will now be provided.

For example, step 250 may comprise determining an on-screen location touched by a user (e.g., on the second screen). In such a scenario, step 250 may, for example, identify a user-selectable object in the television program corresponding to the determined touch location. For example, if a user touches a touch screen at the location presently occupied by a user-selectable object when the touch occurs, step 250 may comprise identifying such object. As discussed previously, a user-selectable object may be associated with a selection area or region, the selection of which by a user corresponds to user-selection of such object.

Numerous other examples of identifying a user-selected object in television programming have been provided in other related U.S. patent applications. Such applications include, for example: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,380, filed May 5, 2010, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21037US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21038US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21039US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION CONTROLLER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21040US02; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION CONTROLLER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21041US02; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING FOR USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM”, Attorney Docket No. 21051US02. The contents of each of the above-mentioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Step 250 may comprise characteristics of any or all respective manners of user-selected object identification discussed in each of such applications. For example, any or all of such respective manners of user-selected object identification may be performed in a system having the second television screen (e.g., a television controller with parallel television capability, a second television of the user's local television system, any other component of the user's local television system having parallel television capability, etc.

Step 250 may, for example, comprise identifying a user-selected object in television programming by determining a most likely selected object. For example, in an exemplary scenario in which a user may select any or a plurality of user-selectable objects in a television program, step 250 may comprise determining which of such objects were most likely selected by the user. For example, step 250 may comprise identifying a user-selected object based at least in part on distance between a user-specified on-screen location and user-selectable object location (e.g., identifying an object that is closest to an on-screen location indicated by the user, identifying an object that has a center point that is closest to an on-screen location indicated by the user, etc.). Also for example, step 250 may comprise identifying a user-selected object based at least in part on a user's (or television system's) object selection preferences and/or history (e.g., identifying an object that is of a similar nature to other recently selected objects, for example, members of a sports team, types of consumer goods, actors, etc.).

Further for example, step 250 may comprise identifying a user-selected object based at least in part on a priority given to a particular advertiser or other organization associated with a particular object (e.g., placing more likelihood on objects associated with a favored (or relatively high-priority and/or relatively higher paying) advertiser). In an exemplary scenario, step 250 may comprise associating a higher likelihood of user-selection with a user-selectable object that is associated with a per-selection based advertising fee structure.

Still further for example, step 250 may comprise identifying a user-selected object based at least in part on object popularity (e.g., favoring user-selectable objects that have been selected the most often, the most often by a particular user demographic group, etc.), based at least in part on object size, based at least in part on object newness, etc.

Step 250 may also, for example, utilizing a filtering technique in which a user's specified on-screen location (and/or object on-screen location) is filtered over time (e.g., during a time period, over a particular number of samples, etc.) to identify an intended user selection location. Similarly, step 250 may utilize a filtering technique to determined object selection (e.g., during a time period, over a particular number of samples, etc.) to identify an intended object selection. In an exemplary scenario, step 250 may comprise determining that during a selection time window (or number of determinations), it was determined that the user selected a particular object more often than any other object. In such a scenario, step 250 may comprise determining that the most often identified user-selected object is the objected intended to be selected by the user. Such a technique may also be utilized in a sliding window approach (e.g., where the previous N determinations are analyzed to identify the most likely selected object).

As another example of interacting with a user (e.g., utilizing the second screen) regarding user-selectable objects, step 250 may comprise identifying a user-selectable object that has been selected by the user and/or a user-selectable object currently indicated by the user. For example, step 250 may comprise outputting an indicia (e.g., on the second screen) to show that a user is currently indicating (or has selected) a particular user-selectable object and/or generating a signal causing such indicia to be presented.

For example, step 250 may comprise generating a signal that comprises characteristics adapted to cause the second screen (e.g., a television system component comprising and/or controlling the second screen) to overlay a graphical feature coinciding with the identified user-selectable object on the television programming as the television programming is presented to the user. For example, as discussed above, a user-selectable object (and/or the user-selectable portion of a user-selectable object) may be defined by one or more geometric shapes. In such an exemplary scenario, step 250 may comprise generating a signal comprising characteristics adapted to cause the second screen to highlight such geometric shapes (or the borders thereof) when step 250 determines that the user has selected a user-selectable object associated with such geometric shapes. Also for example, step 250 may comprise generating a signal comprising characteristics adapted to cause the second screen to present an outline of the identified object on the second screen, temporarily brighten or alter the color of the identified object, temporarily display a message on the second screen as an indication of the identified object, etc. Step 250 may also, for example, comprise outputting an audio indication that a user-selected object has been identified and/or generating a signal comprising characteristics that cause another device (e.g., a component comprising and/or controlling the second screen) to output such an audio indication.

As discussed above, step 250 may comprise determining a user-selectable object in the television programming that has been selected by a user. After identification of an object, step 250 may comprise interacting with the user regarding the identified user-selected object. Such interaction may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of different types of user interactions. For example and without limitation, step 250 may comprise providing object identification information (e.g., graphical and/or textual information) on a screen of the user's local television system (e.g., on the second screen). In such a scenario, step 250 may also comprise refraining from presenting such information on the first screen (e.g., to avoid interfering with presentation of the television program on the first screen). Alternatively and/or additionally, step 250 may comprise generating a signal indicating the identity of the user-selected object and/or other information associated with the user-selected object, where such signal may then be communicated to the second screen and/or another television system component (e.g., a component of the user's local television system). Such generated signal(s) may, for example, comprise characteristics that cause the recipient component of such signal(s) to output information of the user-selected object on the second screen and/or other screens of the user's local television system. Such information may, for example, be superimposed on the television program, presented in a screen border area, presented in a scrolling banner, presented in a ticker bar information, etc.

Also for example, step 250 may comprise performing additional interaction with the user (e.g., on the second screen) regarding the user-selected object. Such additional interaction may, for example, comprise providing a graphical user interface (GUI) on the second screen regarding available actions related to the user-selected object. Similarly, step 250 may comprise generating one or more signals that cause the second screen to output such GUI information to a user and/or receive input GUI information from the user.

Such available actions may, for example, comprise, actions related to obtaining additional information regarding a user-selected object, commercial transactions related to obtaining a user-selected object, actions related to contacting a user-selected person and/or receiving information from a user-selected person, actions related to searching a network (e.g., the Internet) for additional information for a user-selected object, actions related to visiting one or more websites containing information related to a user-selected object, etc. Alternatively and/or additionally, step 250 may comprise generating a signal indicating the available actions associated with the user-selected object, where such signal may then be communicated to another television system component (e.g., another component of the user's local television system).

In a scenario in which step 250 comprises providing a user interface to the user regarding available actions related to the user-selected object, step 250 may also comprise communicating with other system components (e.g., local and/or non-local components) regarding such available actions. For example, step 250 may comprise interacting with such other system components (e.g., local and/or remote servers) to obtain information about a user-selected object, to conduct a commercial transaction related to a user-selected object, to conduct a network search for information concerning a user-selected object, to request biography information of a selected person, to request periodic information updates concerning a selected object, etc.

In general, step 250 may comprise interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program (e.g., without interfering with the presentation of the television program on the first screen). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any particular type of such user interaction unless explicitly claimed.

The exemplary method 200 may, for example at step 295, comprise performing continued operations. Step 295 may comprise performing any of a variety of continued operations, non-limiting examples of such continued operation(s) will be presented below. For example, step 295 may comprise returning execution flow to any of the previously discussed method steps. For example, step 295 may comprise returning execution flow of the exemplary method 200 to step 230 for performing continued television program presentation and user interaction regarding user-selectable objects in such programming.

Additionally for example, step 295 may comprise communicating information indicating the identified user-selectable object(s) to a device (or component) other than the component implementing various aspects of the exemplary method 200. Such other component(s) may, for example, comprise various components of the user's local television system (e.g., at the same user premises or one or more rooms thereof) and/or component remote thereto (e.g., television network infrastructure components, networked television serving components, etc.).

Further for example, step 295 may comprise processing information of an identified user-selected object (e.g., as determined at step 250) to determine an action to perform with regard to such selected object. Various non-limiting examples of such actions are provided in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/242,234, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In general, step 295 may comprise performing continued operations (e.g., performing additional operations corresponding to a user-selected television programming object, repeating various method steps for additional user-selected objects, etc.). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any particular type of continued processing unless explicitly claimed.

Turning next to FIG. 3, such figure is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 300 for providing user-selection of objects in television programming, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplary method 300 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously. Any or all aspects of the exemplary method 300 may, for example, be implemented in a component with television and/or parallel television capability (e.g., a television controller with a display and television capability, for example the first television controller 160 and/or second television controller 161 shown in FIG. 1; a second television, for example, the second television 141 shown in FIG. 1; a television receiver having television display capability, for example, the television receiver 151 shown in FIG. 1; any component having a display and television display capability; and/or any component communicatively coupled to a display.

The exemplary method 300 may, for example, begin executing at step 305. The exemplary method 300 may begin executing in response to any of a variety of causes or conditions. Step 305 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with step 205 of the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 300 may, for example at step 330, comprise presenting a television program on a first screen of a television system. Step 330 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with step 230 of the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

For example, step 330 may comprise, for example at sub-step 332, presenting a television program on a first screen of a local television system (e.g., a user's personal television system, a user's television system local to a user's premises or one or more rooms thereof, etc.). Also for example, step 330 may comprise, for example at sub-step 334, refraining from interfering with presentation of the television program (e.g., being presented at sub-step 332) while interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program.

The exemplary method 300 may, for example at step 340, comprise presenting the television programming (e.g., the same television program being presented at step 330) on a second screen of the television system (e.g., on a screen of a device with parallel television capability). Such presentation may, for example, be performed while the television program is also being presented on the first screen of the television system (e.g., at step 330). Step 340 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with step 240 of the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

For example, step 340 may comprise, for example at sub-step 342, presenting the television programming on a second screen of a local television system (e.g., a user's personal television system, a user's television system local to a user's premises, etc.). Also for example, step 340 may comprise, for example at sub-step 344, presenting on the second screen indicia identifying user-selectable objects in the television program being presented on the second screen (e.g., at sub-step 342) and/or on the first screen (e.g., at sub-step 332).

The exemplary method 300 may, for example at step 350, comprise interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program (e.g., without interfering with the presentation of the television program on the first screen). Such interaction may, for example, be performed while the television program is being presented on the first screen of the television system (e.g., at step 330) and the television program is also being presented on a second screen of the television system (e.g., at step 340). Step 350 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with step 250 of the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

For example, step 350 may comprise, for example at sub-step 352, interacting with a user to identify an on-screen location selected by the user. Also for example, step 350 may comprise, for example at sub-step 354, determining a user-selectable object in the television program that has been selected by a user. Additionally for example, step 350 may comprise, for example at sub-step 356, outputting information (e.g., on the second screen) regarding the user-selected television program object (e.g., as determined at sub-step 354).

The exemplary method 300 may, for example at step 395, comprise performing continued operations. Step 395 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with step 295 of the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

Turning next to FIG. 4, such figure is a diagram illustrating an exemplary parallel television system 400 (e.g., a television controller with parallel television capability, personal computing device with parallel television capability, any other device with parallel television capability, etc.), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the exemplary first television controller 160 and/or second television controller 161 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. Also for example, the exemplary parallel television system 400 may share any or all characteristics with the first television 140, second television 141 and/or television receiver 151 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. Additionally for example, the exemplary parallel television system 400 may share any or all characteristics with a personal computing device or any other personal electronic device comprising parallel television capability. The exemplary television controller 400 (e.g., various modules thereof) may operate to perform any or all of the functionality discussed previously with regard to the exemplary methods 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and discussed previously.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 includes a first communication interface module 410. The first communication interface module 410 may, for example, operate to communicate over any of a variety of communication media and utilizing any of a variety of communication protocols. For example, though the first communication interface module 410 is illustrated coupled to a wireless RF antenna via a wireless port 412, the wireless medium is merely illustrative and non-limiting. The first communication interface module 410 may, for example, operate to communicate with one or more communication networks (e.g., cable television networks, satellite television networks, telecommunication networks, the Internet, local area networks, personal area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc.) via which television video content (e.g., television programming) and/or other data is communicated. Also for example, the first communication interface module 410 may operate to communicate with local sources of television video content (e.g., video recorders, receivers, gaming devices, etc.). Additionally, for example, the first communication interface module 410 may operate to communicate with a local television, a local television receiver, a local and/or remote television program storage system, a television controller (e.g., directly or via one or more intermediate communication networks), etc.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 includes a second communication interface module 420. The second communication interface module 420 may, for example, operate to communicate over any of a variety of communication media and utilizing any of a variety of communication protocols. For example, the second communication interface module 420 may communicate via a wireless RF communication port 422 and antenna, or may communicate via a non-tethered optical communication port 424 (e.g., utilizing laser diodes, photodiodes, etc.). Also for example, the second communication interface module 420 may communicate via a tethered optical communication port 426 (e.g., utilizing a fiber optic cable), or may communicate via a wired communication port 428 (e.g., utilizing coaxial cable, twisted pair, HDMI cable, Ethernet cable, any of a variety of wired component and/or composite video connections, etc.). The second communication interface module 420 may, for example, operate to communicate with one or more communication networks (e.g., cable television networks, satellite television networks, telecommunication networks, the Internet, local area networks, personal area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc.) via which television video content (e.g., television programming) and/or other data is communicated. Also for example, the second communication interface module 420 may operate to communicate with local sources of television video content (e.g., video recorders, receivers, gaming devices, etc.). Additionally, for example, the second communication interface module 420 may operate to communicate with a local television, a local television receiver, a local and/or remote television program storage system, a television controller (e.g., directly or via one or more intermediate communication networks), etc.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may also comprise additional communication interface modules, which are not illustrated. Such additional communication interface modules may, for example, share any or all aspects with the first 410 and second 420 communication interface modules discussed above.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may also comprise a communication module 430. The communication module 430 may, for example, operate to control and/or coordinate operation of the first communication interface module 410 and the second communication interface module 420 (and/or additional communication interface modules as needed). The communication module 430 may, for example, provide a convenient communication interface by which other components of the television controller 400 may utilize the first 410 and second 420 communication interface modules. Additionally, for example, in an exemplary scenario where a plurality of communication interface modules are sharing a medium and/or network, the communication module 430 may coordinate communications to reduce collisions and/or other interference between the communication interface modules.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may additionally comprise one or more user interface modules 440. The user interface module(s) 440 may generally operate to provide user interface functionality to a user of the parallel television system 400. For example, and without limitation, the user interface module 440 may operate to provide for user control of any or all standard television controller commands (e.g., television and/or TV receiver channel control, on/off, input selection, programming, recording/playback control, etc.). The user interface module 440 may, for example, operate and/or respond to user commands utilizing user interface features disposed on the parallel television system 400 (e.g., touch screen I/O, buttons, etc.) and may also utilize the communication module 430 (and/or first 410 and second 420 communication interface modules) to communicate with a television controller (e.g., a dedicated television remote control, a universal remote control, a cellular telephone, personal computing device, gaming controller, etc.), a peripheral of the parallel television system 400, etc. Further for example, the user interface module(s) 440 may utilize the communication module 430 (and/or first 410 and/or second 420 communication interface modules) to communicate with a television, television receiver, programming storage device, remote television programming source, etc., to utilize the user interface features of such device.

The user interface module 440 may also comprise one or more sensor modules that operate to interface with and/or control operation of any of a variety of sensors that may be utilized to ascertain an on-screen pointing location and/or object identification. For example and without limitation, the user interface module 440 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may operate to receive signals associated with respective sensors (e.g., raw or processed signals directly from the sensors, through intermediate devices, via the communication interface modules 410, 420, etc.). Also for example, in scenarios in which such sensors are active sensors (as opposed to purely passive sensors), the user interface module 440 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may operate to control the transmission of signals (e.g., RF signals, optical signals, acoustic signals, etc.) from such sensors.

As discussed above with regard to at least the methods 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the parallel television system 400 (or various modules thereof) may operate to present television programming and/or information regarding user-selectable objects in such television programming on a touch screen (e.g., display 470) of the parallel television system 400. In such an exemplary scenario, one or more modules of the user interface modules 440 may manage such presentation. Also for example, as discussed above with regard to at least the methods 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the parallel television system 400 (or various modules thereof) may operate to receive user input via the display 470 (e.g., a touch screen and/or any other type of screen with user input capability) of the parallel television system 400. In such an exemplary scenario, one or more modules of the user interface modules 440 may operate to manage such user input (e.g., detecting such user input, identifying such user input, characterizing such user input, etc.).

Additionally, the user interface module(s) 440 may perform any of a variety of audio and/or other video output functions (e.g., in an exemplary scenario where the parallel television system 400 has an onboard display and/or speaker, in an exemplary scenario where the parallel television system 400 is utilizing a display and/or speaker of another device, etc.). Also, for example, in a scenario in which the parallel television system 400 has incorporated therein a pointing direction indicator (e.g., a laser pointer, light pen, etc.), the user interface module(s) 440 may operate to control operation of such pointer.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may comprise one or more processors 450. The processor 450 may, for example, comprise a general purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific processor, microcontroller, microprocessor, etc. For example, the processor 450 may operate in accordance with software (or firmware) instructions. As mentioned previously, any or all functionality discussed herein may be performed by a processor executing instructions. For example, though various modules are illustrated as separate blocks or modules in FIG. 4, such illustrative modules, or a portion thereof, may be implemented by the processor 450.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may comprise one or more memories 460. As discussed above, various aspects may be performed by one or more processors executing instructions. Such instructions may, for example, be stored in the one or more memories 460. Such memory 460 may, for example, comprise characteristics of any of a variety of types of memory. For example and without limitation, such memory 460 may comprise one or more memory chips (e.g., ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, one-time-programmable OTP memory, etc.), hard drive memory, CD memory, DVD memory, etc.

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may comprise one or more modules that operate to perform and/or manage the receipt and/or communication of television programming. For example, such one or more modules may operate to utilize the communication module 430 (e.g., and at least one of the communication interface modules 410, 420) to receive and/or communicate television programming. Also for example, such one or more modules may operate to utilize the communication module 430 (and/or first 410 and/or second 420 communication interface modules) to communicate television programming and/or other video output information to a television for presentation to a user. Additionally for example, such one or more modules may operate to utilize the communication module 430 (e.g., and at least one of the communication interface modules 410, 420) to communicate television programming or other video output information to one or more devices communicatively coupled to the television controller 400 (e.g., devices other than a television).

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may comprise one or more on-screen pointing location determination module(s) 454. Such on-screen pointing location determination module(s) 454 may, for example, operate to interact with a user of the parallel television system 400 to determine an on-screen pointing location pointed to by a user of the parallel television system 400 and/or a television (or television receiver) communicatively coupled thereto. Such module(s) 454 may, for example, operate to perform step 250 of the exemplary method 200 and/or step 350 (e.g., sub-step 352) of the exemplary method 300 discussed previously. For example, the module(s) 454 may operate to analyze sensor information (e.g., touch screen sensor information) to determine an on-screen pointing location. Also for example, the module(s) 454 may operate to receive on-screen pointing location information from a device (e.g., a television, a television receiver, a television network device, a user pointing device, etc.) external to the parallel television system 400 (e.g., utilizing the communication module 430).

The exemplary parallel television system 400 may comprise one or more user-selected object identification modules 456. Such module(s) 456 may, for example, operate to identify a user-selectable object in television programming selected by a user of the parallel television system 400 and/or a television (or television receiver) communicatively coupled thereto. The module(s) 456 may, for example, operate to perform step 250 of the exemplary method 200 and/or step 350 (e.g., sub-step 354) of the exemplary method 300 discussed previously. As a non-limiting example, the module(s) may operate to determine a user-selectable object touched by a user on a touch screen or otherwise indicated on a display 470 of the parallel television system 400.

As discussed previously, various aspects of the present invention may comprise generating one or more signals indicating the identity of the user-selected object, other related information, information regarding various actions that the user may take regarding such user-selected object, etc. The parallel television system 400 may, for example, comprise an identified object output module 458 that operates to perform such functionality. The module(s) 458 may, for example, operate to perform step 250 of the exemplary method 200 and/or step 350 (e.g., sub-step 356) of the exemplary method 300 discussed previously.

For example, in an exemplary scenario where such information of a user-selected object is output on a display 470 (or screen) of the parallel television system 400, the module(s) 458 may operate to communicate such generated one or more signals to the user interface module(s) 440, which as discussed previously may operate to interact with a display 470 of the parallel television system 400. Also for example, in an exemplary scenario where such information of a user-selected object is to be output on the screen of a television to which the parallel television system 400 is communicatively coupled, the module(s) 458 may operate to utilize the communication module 430 to communicate such generated one or more signals to the television (or television receiver). Similarly, in a scenario in which screen pointing information is to be provided to the user (e.g., as feedback to the user indicating where the user is pointing), the module(s) 458 may generate one or more signals indicative of such feedback and communicate such generated signal(s) to the user interface module(s) 440 and/or the communication module 430, depending on the destination for such signal(s).

Though not illustrated, the exemplary parallel television system 400 may, for example, comprise one or more modules that operate to perform any or all of the continued processing discussed previously with regard to step 295 of the exemplary method 200 and step 395 of the exemplary method 300, discussed previously. Such modules (e.g., as with the one or more modules 454, 456 and 458) may be performed by the processor(s) 450 executing instructions stored in the memory 460.

Turning next to FIG. 5, such figure is a diagram illustrating exemplary modules and/or sub-modules for a parallel television system 500 (e.g., a television controller or other device) comprising a parallel television, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

The exemplary television controller 500 may share any or all aspects with any of the parallel television systems illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. For example, the exemplary parallel television system 500 (or various modules thereof) may operate to perform any or all functionality discussed herein with regard to the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and the exemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. As with the exemplary parallel television system 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously, the components of the exemplary parallel television system 500 may be disposed in a single television controller (e.g., a dedicated television control device, a universal remote control, a cellular telephone or personal computing device with television control capability, any personal electronic device with television control capability, etc.).

For example, the parallel television system 500 comprises at least one processor 530. Such processor(s) 530 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the processor(s) 450 discussed with regard to FIG. 4. Also for example, the parallel television system 500 comprises one or more memories 540. Such one or more memories 540 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the one or more memories 460 discussed with regard to FIG. 4.

Also for example, the parallel television system 500 may comprise any of a variety of user interface module(s) 550. Such user interface module(s) 550 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the user interface module(s) 440 discussed previously with regard to FIG. 4. For example and without limitation, the user interface module(s) 550 may comprise: a display device, a camera (for still or moving picture acquisition), a speaker, an earphone (e.g., wired or wireless), a microphone, a video screen (e.g., a touch screen), a vibrating mechanism, a keypad, and/or any of a variety of other user interface devices (e.g., a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, touch screen, light pen, game controlling device, etc.).

The exemplary parallel television system 500 may also, for example, comprise any of a variety of communication modules (505, 506, and 510). Such communication module(s) may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the communication interface module(s) 410, 420 discussed previously with regard to FIG. 4. For example and without limitation, the communication interface module(s) 510 may comprise: a Bluetooth interface module; an IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16 and/or 802.20 module; any of a variety of cellular telecommunication interface modules (e.g., GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA/CDMA2000/1x-EV-DO, WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA/PDC, WiMAX, etc.); any of a variety of position-related communication interface modules (e.g., GPS, A-GPS, etc.); any of a variety of wired/tethered communication interface modules (e.g., USB, Fire Wire, RS-232, HDMI, Ethernet, wireline and/or cable modem, etc.); any of a variety of communication interface modules related to communicating with external memory devices; etc. The parallel television system 500 is also illustrated as comprising various wired 506 and/or wireless 505 front-end modules that may, for example, be included in the communication interface modules and/or utilized thereby.

The parallel television system 500 may also comprise any of a variety of signal processing module(s) 590. Such signal processing module(s) 590 may share any or all characteristics with modules of the exemplary parallel television system 400 that perform signal processing. Such signal processing module(s) 590 may, for example, be utilized to assist in processing various types of information discussed previously (e.g., with regard to sensor processing, position determination, video processing, image processing, audio processing, general user interface information data processing, etc.). For example and without limitation, the signal processing module(s) 590 may comprise: video/graphics processing modules (e.g. MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, JPEG, TIFF, 3-D, 2-D, MDDI, etc.); audio processing modules (e.g., MP3, AAC, MIDI, QCELP, AMR, CMX, etc.); and/or tactile processing modules (e.g., keypad I/O, touch screen processing, motor control, etc.).

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a system and method in a parallel television system for providing for user-selection of objects in a television program. While the invention has been described with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method for interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in a television program being presented on a first screen of a user's local television system, the method comprising: while the television program is being presented on the first screen of the user's local television system, on a second screen of the television system: presenting the television program; and interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program without interfering with the presentation of the television program on the first screen.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second screen of the television system is a screen of a television controller.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second screen of the television system is a screen of a personal computing device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein presenting the television program on the second screen of the television system comprises presenting the television program on the second screen with visible indicia identifying the user-selectable objects as being user-selectable.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the television program is being presented on the first screen of the television system without visible indicia identifying the user-selectable objects as being user-selectable.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects comprises: identifying an on-screen location selected by the user; and outputting on the second screen a graphical indication of the identified on-screen location.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein identifying an on-screen location selected by the user comprises detecting a location at which the user touches the second screen.
 8. The method of claim 1, comprising presenting the television program on the second screen at a different rate than the rate at which the television program is being presented on the first screen.
 9. The method of claim 8, comprising pausing presentation of the television program on the second screen while interacting with the user regarding a user-selectable object in the television program.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program comprises identifying an object in the television program selected by the user and presenting information about the identified object on the second screen.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program comprises providing a graphical user interface (GUI) on the second screen regarding available actions related to the identified object.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the user-selectable objects in the television program comprise people.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the user-selectable objects in the television program comprise consumer goods.
 14. A television system for interacting with a user regarding user-selectable objects in a television program being presented on a first screen of a user's local television system, the television system comprising: at least one module operable to, at least: while the television program is being presented on the first screen of the user's local television system, on a second screen of the television system: present the television program; and interact with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program without interfering with the presentation of the television program on the first screen.
 15. The television system of claim 14, where the second screen of the television system is a screen of a television controller.
 16. The television system of claim 14, where the second screen of the television system is a screen of a personal computing device.
 17. The television system of claim 14, wherein the at least one module is operable to present the television program on the second screen by, at least in part, operating to present the television program on the second screen with visible indicia identifying the user-selectable objects as being user-selectable.
 18. The television system of claim 17, wherein the television program is being presented on the first screen of the television system without visible indicia identifying the user-selectable objects as being user-selectable.
 19. The television system of claim 14, wherein the at least one module is operable to interact with a user regarding user-selectable objects by, at least in part, operating to: identify an on-screen location selected by the user; and output on the second screen a graphical indication of the identified on-screen location.
 20. The television system of claim 19, wherein the at least one module is operable to identify an on-screen location selected by the user by, at least in part, operating to detect a location at which the user touches the second screen.
 21. The television system of claim 14, wherein the at least one module is operable to present the television program on the second screen at a different rate than the rate at which the television program is being presented on the first screen.
 22. The television system of claim 21, wherein the at least one module is operable to pause presentation of the television program on the second screen while interacting with the user regarding a user-selectable object in the television program.
 23. The television system of claim 14, wherein the at least one module is operable to interact with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program by, at least in part, operating to identify an object in the television program selected by the user and present information about the identified object on the second screen.
 24. The television system of claim 23, wherein the at least one module is operable to interact with a user regarding user-selectable objects in the television program by, at least in part, operating to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) on the second screen regarding available actions related to the identified object.
 25. The television system of claim 14, where the user-selectable objects in the television program comprise people.
 26. The television system of claim 14, where the user-selectable objects in the television program comprise consumer goods. 